Research Process: Choose Your Topic

Here are guidelines for coming up with an appropriate, manageable topic:

Ask your instructor for input in the early stages. What topics does s/he recommend? 

Make sure the topic fulfills the goals of the assignment. Check out the rubric or consult your instructor for more info.

Choose a topic that is the right "size." You only have so many pages/minutes to cover your topic. Do your best to pick something that is narrow enough to include all pertinent details, and big enough that you don't find yourself repeating information or coming up short.

• Ask yourself: is it possible for me to follow all the assignment requirements with this topic? If you have trouble determining this, consult your professor, a writing consultant, or your subject librarian. 
• Think carefully about the scope of your topic. Make sure the focus is not too broad and not too narrow.
• Refrain from the following:
  • Limiting to a city or area with little published about it
  • Selecting something that is not considered public information 
  • Focusing on abstract or philosophical concepts

Our advice? Choose a topic you may be exploring in other courses. Connect your research with your other courses, or even your major/subject area.